Abuja High Court orders INEC to deregister ADC, Accord Party, others

Justice Peter Odo Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, and others from participating in the 2027 general elections over alleged constitutional breaches.

Justice Lifu issued the order on Monday, June 15, while delivering judgment in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, and instituted by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and several political parties, including the ADC, Action Alliance, APP, Accord Party, and Zenith Labour Party.

The plaintiffs argued that the affected political parties failed to meet constitutional requirements relating to electoral spread and performance. It contended that political parties were required to secure at least 25 per cent of votes in prescribed elections to remain relevant under the law.

It, therefore, urged the court to order the deregistration of the parties, insisting that none of the defendants had effectively countered the arguments.

The judgment majorly affects former Vice President and presidential candidate of the ADC, Atiku Abubakar, and the Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke, who is billed to seek re-election in the August 15 governorship election on the platform of the Accord Party.

It is uncertain if the political parties will appeal the judgment in the coming days.